JVC Launches New 50-inch TV without Smart Features

Are smart TV features redundant?

What’s this you say? No smart TV features? That’s right, JVC is bucking the trend with its 50-inch R series BC50R BlackCrystal LED LCD TV. The company is not including any online smart TV features in this model—no Netflix, Pandora, Youtube or Facebook.

It’s about time some company did that. JVC says in the product press release that those features were opted out because they’re mostly redundant for consumers. Most buyers already have a media streaming device of some kind, be it a Ruku, Apple TV, smart Blu-ray player or Xbox 360. So why go to the effort of including all those apps in the TV too.

If you want a JVC TV with all the online extras, then look for the JLE55SP4000, which includes the expected assortment of streaming services, plus SlingPlayer.

On the audio side, the BC50R includes the same crosstalk cancelling technology found in soundbars to enhance channel separation. A feature called XinemaSound 3D applies an Equal Loudness Contour to the audio signal for a perceptually balanced audio mix that sounds natural to the ears. A process called Clear Dialog dynamically adjusts the level of dialog in a sound mix for better clarity.

The set includes only two HDMI inputs, one with ARC (audio return channel), so if you have more than two source components you’ll need an AV receiver or HDMI switcher. There’s also a USB input for viewing photos. An MHL (mobile high definition link) input would have been nice for connecting a smart phone or Roku stick, but it appears that feature is not available.

The BV50R will be available this month for $799. If you want to win one, JVC is running a contest on Facebook and Twitter, so check them out there.